Lei Day, celebrated annually on May 1st, is a unique Hawaiian holiday. It's a vibrant celebration of aloha, culture, and the beautiful lei, a garland of flowers. Festivities often include lei-making demonstrations, music, dance, and the crowning of a Lei Day Queen. Rooted in the 1920s, it's a joyous way to honor Hawaiian traditions and the spirit of aloha.
The History of Lei Day: A Spark of Inspiration
The seeds of Lei Day were sown in the 1920s. Don Blanding, a poet and writer, envisioned a day to celebrate the lei and Hawaiian culture. He shared his idea with Grace Tower Warren, a Honolulu Star-Bulletin columnist. Warren embraced the concept and, with the support of others, Lei Day was officially born in 1928. The first Lei Day was held at the Bank of Hawaii, and it quickly captured the hearts of the community.
The inspiration behind Lei Day stemmed from a desire to preserve and promote Hawaiian traditions. As tourism increased, there was a growing concern that Hawaiian culture was being overshadowed. Lei Day aimed to revitalize and showcase the unique beauty of the islands' heritage, with the lei serving as a central symbol.
The Significance of the Lei: More Than Just a Garland
The lei is far more than just a decorative garland of flowers. It represents Aloha, love, friendship, honor, and respect. Each lei is carefully crafted, often using flowers, shells, seeds, feathers, or other natural materials found on the islands. The materials used, the colors, and the way the lei is presented all carry significance.
Giving a lei is a gesture of affection and welcome. It's a way to express gratitude, celebrate achievements, or simply share the spirit of Aloha. Receiving a lei is considered an honor, and it's important to treat it with respect. When wearing a lei, it's traditionally draped gently over the shoulders. Removing a lei in front of the person who gave it to you is considered impolite, unless you have a valid reason. And throwing a lei into the ocean from a departing ship or plane is a common practice, believed to ensure the wearer's return to the islands.
Celebrating Lei Day: A Festive Occasion
Lei Day celebrations are held throughout the Hawaiian Islands on May 1st. These events typically include:
Lei contests: showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of lei makers. These competitions often feature various categories, judged on factors such as creativity, use of materials, and overall design.
Hula performances: Traditional Hawaiian dance performances that tell stories and celebrate the islands' history and culture.
Music: Live Hawaiian music, featuring traditional instruments and songs.
Food: Delicious Hawaiian cuisine, offering a taste of the islands' culinary heritage.
Lei-making demonstrations: Opportunities to learn the art of lei making and create your own beautiful garland.
Parades: Colorful parades featuring floats adorned with leis, hula dancers, and musicians.
Schools, community centers, and parks often host Lei Day events, providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the festivities. Attending a Lei Day celebration is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture and experience the spirit of Aloha firsthand. You can see elaborate creations of Hawaiian leis and experience the true beauty of the Hawaiian culture.
Lei Day Traditions and Customs
Beyond the official celebrations, Lei Day is also marked by a number of traditions and customs. One popular custom is to wear a lei on May 1st, either one you've received or one you've made yourself. This is a simple yet meaningful way to participate in the spirit of Lei Day.
Many families also use Lei Day as an opportunity to share Hawaiian culture with younger generations. This might involve teaching them how to make leis, sharing stories about Hawaiian history, or simply spending time together enjoying Hawaiian music and food.
The Significance of Each Island Flower for Lei Day
Each Hawaiian island has a designated flower and color, and they are often featured prominently in Lei Day celebrations. The selection represents each island's unique characteristics.
Island |
Flower |
Color |
|---|
Oahu |
Ilima |
Yellow |
Maui |
Lokelani (Pink Rose) |
Pink |
Hawaii (Big Island) |
Lehua |
Red |
Kauai |
Mokihana |
Purple |
Molokai |
Kukui Blossom |
Green |
Lanai |
Kaunaoa |
Orange |
Niihau |
Pupu Shell (White) |
White |
Kahoolawe |
Hinahina |
Gray/Silver |
Lei Day Today: A Continuing Legacy
Lei Day continues to be a beloved tradition in Hawaii, preserving and promoting the islands' rich cultural heritage. It's a time for communities to come together, celebrate the spirit of Aloha, and honor the beauty and significance of the lei. Whether you're in Hawaii or elsewhere in the world, you can participate in Lei Day by learning about Hawaiian culture, making or giving a lei, or simply spreading the spirit of Aloha to those around you. So, on May 1st, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of the Hawaiian lei, and celebrate the spirit of Aloha that it represents.
